MANILA, Philippines — “Crazy Rich Asians” director Jon M. Chu and Warner Bros will team up to retell Arnel Pineda’s rise to fame as Journey’s frontman.
“This story in particular has been on my mind since I first read about it years ago. A true fairy tale and triumph of the human spirit,” Chu said in a statement to Deadline.
“An unlikely hero, an undeniable talent, the power of music and a worldwide stage (literally) has all the ingredients I love about movies,” he added, while also admitting to be a fan of Journey.
Meanwhile, Pineda reacted to the report, saying: “I’m quite honored.. and should be an exciting movie to do .. but you need to reach out to me #MrJonMChu @wbpictures coz I’m right here waiting.”
According to the report by Deadline, Warner Bros has already acquired rights to the 2012 documentary of Pineda’s shot to fame “Don’t Stop Believin’: Everyman’s Journey.”
However, the studio is still negotiating for the licensing of Journey’s original songs which were mostly written by Steve Perry and Neal Schon.
Pineda became Journey’s frontman in 2007 after he was discovered on Youtube and was asked to audition as the band’s lead singer. /muf